“We’re excited to team up with Gary Ackerman of Gaudin Ford in support of Grant A Gift Autism Foundation,” said Gary Patterson, Vice President of International and Strategic Sales. “It was Gary’s vision to benefit the charity by auctioning the first production Shelby GTE, which is expected to command the attention of Shelby and Mustang enthusiasts. This is a great opportunity to own a truly one-of-a-kind Shelby performance car and lend support to a very deserving organization.”

Unveiled recently, the Shelby GTE package is available for the 2015-2017 Mustang 5.0 and EcoBoost exclusively through Shelby American. The winner of Barrett-Jackson lot No. 3003 will have the first production Shelby GTE, CSM 17GTE0002that includes custom touches such as an upfit package donated by Shelby American and a one-of-one charcoal carbon-fiber stripe package that’s unique to this car.

In addition to an appearance package, the custom Shelby GTE features Ford’s iconic 5.0 engine with a one-of-a-kind Platinum White Metallic supercharger that was donated by Kenne Bell. Additional performance upgrades include a Ford Performance cat-back exhaust and handling pack, 19-inch Ford Performance wheels and Ford’s new live rear axle which helps keep all 750 horsepower planted firmly to the pavement. Complete vehicle specs of the Shelby GTE can be found here.

“Some of the most incredible moments on our block have involved charity cars,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “To see how the collector car community pulls together to help others is humbling and rewarding. Since the company began 45 years ago, Barrett-Jackson has had a charitable element, and we are honored to continue that tradition.”

Founded in 2009, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation grew out of the struggle of a mom whose son, Grant, was diagnosed with autism and other neuro-developmental conditions. Grant a Gift Autism Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization helping children, youth and their families fight autism by providing diagnostic and treatment funding, support services, social skills and vocational training, transition planning, and education. For more information, please visit grantagiftfoundation.org.